what type of lawyer do i need when pressing charges against someone

by Dr. Gina Spinka MD 3 min read

Who can press charges in a criminal case?

Who can press charges? A criminal case is not like a civil case, in which you can file a lawsuit against the person who wronged you. Instead, the prosecutor’s office files criminal charges. You may influence the decision, but in the end it’s up to the prosecutor. In most cases you’ll get a criminal case started by filing a police report.

Should I hire a lawyer for an assault charge?

If you are looking to press charges for an assault, or if you already have pressed charges, it is advisable to find legal representation. Victims who have been harmed by an aggressor in an assault should hire a personal injury lawyer.

Do I need a lawyer for a personal injury lawsuit?

However, if the victim is suing you for their injuries, hiring a personal injury defense lawyer will be your best bet. After police officers obtain the details that they need from the victims, they will then issue the victim’s copies of the reports that they filed.

What should I do if I press charges for assault?

After filing the charges, remember to keep a record of the assault report, as well as maintain the integrity of any evidence you have in your possession that could help the authorities. If you are looking to press charges for an assault, or if you already have pressed charges, it is advisable to find legal representation.

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Is pressing charges the same as suing?

When charges are pressed, the accused person may have to go to trial. Pressing charges is different than suing in civil court. When a person decides to take this action, he will not benefit monetarily as a result of the outcome of the case.

What does pressing charges on someone mean?

Definition of press charges : to take legal action against someone : to officially accuse someone of a crime He was caught shoplifting, but the store owner didn't press charges.

Are press charges real?

But many people have the false impressing that anyone can press charges. Individuals do not press charges, nor do police. In the context of the criminal law, only a municipal, state, or federal attorney can decide to charge someone with a crime and file a charging document.

What is mean by pressing?

Pressing comes from the verb press, "to push against" or "to squeeze out," and later also "to urge or argue for." Definitions of pressing. adjective. compelling immediate action. “too pressing to permit of longer delay”

What does it mean to bring charges against?

Definition of bring charges against : to charge (someone) with a crime They are going to bring charges against him.

Can you press charges in Canada?

The first step to have someone charged with a criminal offence is to report a crime to police. To report a crime in progress, dial 9-1-1. Otherwise, phone the local police non-emergency line to see if you can make a report by phone, or whether you have to go to the police station.

Who Can Press Charges?

  • A criminal case is not like a civil case, in which you can file a lawsuit against the person who wronged you. Instead, the prosecutor’s office files criminal charges. You may influence the decision, but in the end it’s up to the prosecutor.
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Getting The Process Started

  • In most cases you’ll get a criminal case started by filing a police report. Include as much information about the crime and the person who committed the crime. The police will investigate and gather as much evidence as possible. If there’s enough evidence, or witnesses to support your story, they’ll have probable cause for an arrest warrant. Probable causemeans the evidence …
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The Prosecutor’S Role in Criminal Charges

  • The prosecutor’s office will review the police reports to decide if the evidence warrants filing charges. At this stage there needs to be more than the probable cause for an arrest. The evidence needs to be good enough to make winning at trial likely. For felonies, the prosecutor may need to take additional steps before pressing charges. Some state...
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Your Role in Criminal Charges

  • Even though you can’t file charges yourself, your cooperation makes it more likely the police and prosecutor can make a strong case against the suspect.This is especially true if your statements are the main evidence against the suspect. Without your cooperation there may not be enough of a case to go to trial. But even with your help, the prosecutor may decide the case isn’t strong eno…
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Statutes of Limitations

  • Sometimes you may not be sure if you want to file a police report after a crime. That’s your right, but in most cases you have a limited amount of time to make that decision. Prosecutors must file charges within a certain amount of time—called the statute of limitations—after a crime occurs. The amount of time varies by state and type of crime, but generally ranges from 1 to 5 years. Th…
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